Theodosius II. 402-450 AD. Constantinople. AV Solidus

Theodosius II. 402-450 AD. Constantinople. AV Solidus, 4.44g (21mm, 6h). THEODO-SIVS P F AVG Helmeted head of emperor with pearl diadem; head tilted right and right hand on transverse spear, holding shield decorated with rider on left arm / VOT XXX - MVLT XXXX Constantinopolis enthroned left; foot on stool; left arm holding shield and right holding globus cruciger; star in right field and under exergual line CONOB.

Price: $1,650

Theodosius II was the only child of Arcadius and Eudoxia. At the young age of 1 he was made Augustus and when only 7 years old became sole emperor upon the death of his father in 408 AD. He married Eudocia in 421 and their only surviving child was the empress Licinia Eudoxia. History suggests that while his reign was long he was really a success only through the tremendous support of those around him; his sister, his wife and several favorites. The Roman historian Edward Gibbons famously wrote “....the son of Arcadius was condemned to pass his perpetual infancy only by a servile train of women and eunuchs”. Theodosius died at the age of 49 when he fell from a horse while hunting.